Tag: Challenge group

I have just returned home after a 5 day trip for our Team’s Retreat in Destin Florida and I am filled with so many emotions!!!

So many amazing takeaways from this trip and while I want to run, put my blinders on and get to work, I also need to take a moment to reflect on this incredible getaway!!!

I have hosted my own for my team and this is the second retreat I have attended with my upline sponsor coach and I cannot say enough POSITIVE things about the after math of attending something like this!

The theme was

TO BE A PINEAPPLE.

To stand tall

Wear a crown

&

Be sweet on the inside!!!

We had our team there filling one house on the Beach and together with the other Dream Team Coaches – we filled 5 mansions in Destin Florida with 10+ Elite coaches in the network led by our fearless leader, the #1 Coach in all of Beachbody.

There were corporate led trainings, team led trainings, small group breakouts, parties, fun, dancing, dinners, group workouts, late night chat sessions, and more!

You could say it was a bit of a powerhouse event!

I’ve heard so many women say they don’t have girlfriends and they get along better with men and that is sad to me, because when confident, happy, secure women come together in friendship, amazing things happen!!!

I’ll admit I got a bit anxious leading up to the event. I mean 14 girls in one house – PLUS – over 100 girls coming together for games and trainings…its a lot to take in!!!

But I know the importance of events.

And as expected, I walked away from this event with new friendships, stronger bonds, and perhaps a 6 pack in the making from all the laughter!

I want to share a bit with you all so you can understand that this wasn’t just an opportunity to unplug and soak up some rays…but rather an opportunity TO GROW our businesses, our confidence, and improve the overall quality of our LIVES!

I arrived on Wednesday evening and Thursday kicked off our Team’s trip!

We all watched the sunrise together

Then naturally we took things to beach to get started!

We got sweaty, had some fun, then got to the beach!

This was our one FREE day…and I took full advantage of it!

Miracle Morning

I’ve been preparing for my upcoming Miracle Morning accountability group and this was the perfect setting to dive in and get to practicing what I was about to be preaching!!!

Friday night we got together with the other 5 houses and together, 125 Beachbody Leaders strong, we competed in the BEACH OLYMPICS!

I’m not sure I ever laughed so hard!

From crab crawls in the sand, to wheelbarrow races, to 3-legged races, to running with a pineapple on my head – this was hands down one of the most fun nights of my LIFE!

Our team may not have one the trophy but we did win with the most laughs!!! #TeamPurple rocked it for sure!

Saturday it was time to Learn!!! From 9-5 we heard from some of the top leaders at Corporate and the top leaders in the company.

From social media trainings, to recruiting, to creating independent leaders, to creating a powerful vision, to leading with a PURPOSE, to learning how to JUST BE YOU and lead from the heart with the goals and impact you have on others in the heart of what we do!

Things slowed down as we wrapped up our training session, regrouped, then headed out for margaritas and tacos! Because what group of women doesn’t like margaritas and tacos?!?!

There were many moments of reflection and many moments where I just had to stop and pinch myself.

This is my life.

This is my career.

These are the women and people I CHOOSE to spend my time with.

Who lift me up

And EMPOWER me to be the best mom, friend, wife, coach, sister and daughter possible!

The trip was perfect.
I am grateful for the generosity of my coach and grateful for the team bonding we all enjoyed!

I know I say this a LOT.

But its true.

This career. this opportunity, has BLESSED me more ways than I ever imagined!

No one tells you when you buy a challenge pack looking to lose a few pounds that you may just stumble upon one of the greatest career opportunities out there!

I am grateful and I am blessed and I want to share this opportunity with others!
If you see yourself in these pictures above – if you’re reading this thinking – this is ME or THIS COULD BE ME – or I WANT THIS TO BE ME let me share more with you!

Taking that LEAP OF FAITH is where it all starts!

If you have every considered coaching, now is the time!

I am getting ready to kick off a BACKSTAGE PASS into the COACHLIFE — If you would like to learn more about how this business works then you can request to join the group by filling out the application below!

“BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL WOMAN IS A TRIBE OF OTHER WOMEN WHO HAVE EACH OTHER’S BACKS”

For now and for the next 14 or so years…August is going to be synonymous with the summer wind down and back to school!

This means a lot of different things to many of us.

For me – this year- it’s the start of Preschool for my son, Kindergarten for my daughter, Soccer practice, gymnastics, swim lessons, work travel, team trainings and more.

There are so many areas in life that I could come up with excuses as to why I don’t have time to exercise or eat healthy.
They are all legitimate excuses too…

*I was up all night dealing with night terrors
*My 3 year old decided potty training was for the birds
*The lack of a summer schedule is creating little monsters at bedtime as we prepare for the next transition*I don’t have time to eat healthy
*I don’t have money to eat healthy
*I’m traveling
*My husband is traveling…
And the list goes on and on and on…

But here’s the deal – those are all just EXCUSES. And I’ve learned through experience…you can have EXCUSES or RESULTS – but not both!

From Day 1, these 30 minutes I give myself have been what allow me to give to others.

Its not selfish to make time for a 30 minute workout and my goal is to teach you HOW I do it and have consistently done it to turn it into a balanced, sustainable LIFESTYLE.

If you’re ready to toss the excuses and you’re looking for RESULTS then I invite you to my next challenge group – BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO YOU!!!

And if you’re worried about eating “rabbit food” – forget that one too…You will not be hungry!!!

)ne of my favorite combos

We will begin on August 22nd and enrollment is open now!

If you’re already anticipating those busy weeknights with homework, after school practices, early weekend games and are thinking there’s no way you’re going to be able to squeeze in some “ME” time – then I ask that you accept this challenge!

Allow me to help you with your meal planning, toss in some new crockpot ideas, focus on the prep work and figuring out just how 30 minutes can be found in every day through our online support group!

*** You must not already be a coach or be working with another coach to join***

If I am your coach EMAIL: MAEGANBLINKA@GMAIL.COM to be added to the group!

1. Set the alarm…or 3 alarms but put the phone ACROSS the room so you HAVE to get out of bed to grab it. You may lay back in bed for a snooze but chances are when you stand up…if you can repeat over and over to yourself I’M AWAKE 3x chances are…you’ll just get to it!

2. Sleep in your workout clothes! Its one less step and one less thing to think about it in the morning! And if you don’t want to sleep in them…AT LEAST lay them out the night before!

3. As soon as you pop out of bed – down a pre-workout drink like ENERGIZE!

This is really my secret weapon. No jittery side effects and just the extra boost I need to power through while I am still waking up! Plus I am slightly addicted to the taste

4. Commit to a SCHEDULE. I don’t like to fall off schedule so knowing that each day I am doing a particular workout or focusing on a particular part of my body helps me stay committed.

5. Tell a friend! Find a buddy or accountability partner who is working towards similar goals as you. Whether its a verbal commitment or an early morning text to simply say “let’s crush it” may be all you need to get up and get moving!

When you combine these things you will be setting yourself up for SUCCESS!!!

Don’t know where to start?! Email me at maeganblinka@gmail.com or simply fill out the application below for my upcoming BIKINI BOOTCAMP!

Today marks 10 days out from Easter…the holiday of chocolate bunnies, sugary peeps, candy filled eggs, and temptations EVERYWHERE! I mean seriously – take a peak in the front door of Target…there is literally candy EVERYWHERE! And while its easy to think (and correct) that “one piece is A-Okay” that one piece tends to multiply and before you know it, you’re helping your kids look for their M&Ms that seem to have “disappeared”all of a sudden…trust me…I’ve been there!!!

But as Easter coincides with Spring we also know that Summer will then follow. As we sit 2 months out from Memorial Day I’ll admit I have SUMMER on my mind!!! I know I want to feel and look my best this summer and I hope you do to! So…how do we combat this holiday craziness?

Enter:

Post-Easter Fix & reFRESH:

It is still hard for me to explain how drastically different I FEEL when I am eating clean, fueling my body with Shakeology – EVERY DAY – and exercising regularly! Naturally the results follow but its so much more than that. I am happier and healthier. I am a better mom and I am a better wife. I am more patient and all around HAPPIER…and I want everyone to have the opportunity to live a healthier and more fulfilling life too!

This group will provide you with daily clean eating tips, motivation, recipes so you do not get bored, and SHAKEOLOGY, a meal you can use EVERY day that is easy and convenient like those the stuff you find at those tempting Golden Arches or the overpriced lattes, but truly the HEALTHIEST MEAL OF THE DAY!

So…WHY Shakeology?

It can help you:

Lose weight – especially if you replace a meal with Shakeology every day.

Reduce junk food cravings – drink it in the morning to enjoy this benefit throughout the day

Increase your energy and feel healthier.

Improve your digestion and regularity.

Hmmm…How????

Fiber and probiotics help you “get regular” so you eliminate toxins built up in your digestive system.

Proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics help create a healthy intestinal tract which aids digestion.

A healthier digestive system makes it easier to absorb key nutrients.

Digestive enzymes also help your body to increase the absorption of nutrients.

Long story short – Shakeology is NOT a weight loss shake, nor a protein shake… This is a HEALTH shake that is including your dense nutrition, health benefits, and includes your daily multi-vitamin!

Trust me…you can’t get this in anything else – plus it tastes like a dessert!!

Support…the “group” – what is it?

My Easter FIX clean eating and Shakeology challenge is just that! You will get 30 Days of support, motivation, tips, recipes, and be surrounded by a group of people who have the same or similar goes as you! I can’t promise that it will be easy but I can promise that if you stick with it, commit and keep pushing, you will get the results you’re looking for!

For an extra little boost, I am also giving a FREE 3 DAY REFRESHwhen you sign up with ME as YOUR coach and order your Shakeology in Home Direct (HD).
This simple easy to follow 3-day cleanse will help remove the toxins, bloating, and chemicals from your body and replace with it amino acids, enzymes, and more so you are starting FRESH!
To learn more about the 3 Day Refresh and see my personal resultsCLICK HERE!
* This promotion will ONLY last until March 31st!

And while I feel like an infomercial…I have to say…THERE’S MORE…

How would you like to have FREE access to 11 Beachbody programs as well as sneak peaks into the latest and greatest without having to buy any DVDs or make any additional financial commitment? Well its all yours! If you upgrade to a club membership you will get a FREE 30-day trial which includes access to Beachbody’s On Demand feature released this month! You can see the full details here but HERE but this is such a fabulous way to dabble with all of the trainers in a variety of programs before committing! Your initial payment of $38.87 occurs in 30 days and continues every 90-days, as long as you continue your Premium Club. If you decide its not for you – just cancel – no questions asked!
If you are ready to start your journey and give your body a fresh start to clean eating and create healthy habits, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next 30 day challenge!

Turkey Meatloaf – 21 Day Fix Extreme Style, aka, Gluten Free!

This turkey meatloaf recipe was a hit in my house!!! We have been primarily gluten free for the past 6 months now and while neither my husband or I have a “gluten allergy” we both tend to just feel better when we avoid it! Luckily our clean eating lifestyle has made the adjustment pretty easy and why I absolutely loved this Turkey Meatloaf recipe that uses Quinoa opposed to the traditional breadcrumbs! Its simple, clean, and if you’re like me…you can easily double this up and make an extra one to freeze or enjoy throughout the week as a second dinner and/or lunches!

2. Combine turkey, salsa, quinoa, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix well by hand or with rubber spatula (I used that little gadget from Pampered Chef and it worked FABULOUS – I am not a mix by hand type of girl and this did the trick!!!)

3. Shape mixture into shape of a loaf and place on engrossed 13×9 inch baking pan (I actually used a pan that has the grates so the grease will drip down off)

4. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until center is no longer pink and meat is cooked through.

5. Let stand 10 minutes before serving

6. Garnish with parsley

TIP: Cut cooked meatloaf into single servings and freeze in single resealable plastic bags for future meals!

I really liked the consistency of the meatloaf but next time I will likely add in some chopped peppers and spinach just because I like to sneak in those greens any chance I get!

If you’re interested in learning more about clean eating and incorporating a workout/exercise routine to help you reach your health and fitness goals, I invite you to join my next accountability group!

THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS!

Wow – I can’t believe January has come and gone already! February is here tomorrow, February 2nd, not only brings another Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, PA but also the release of the much anticipated 21-DAY FIX EXTREME!

It may be cold and snowy here now but if February flies by as fast as January just did it will be spring in no time! And with spring time comes shorts, flip, flops, dresses and if you’re really lucky – maybe a spring vacay!!! Its time to get ready!!!

I wanted to take a few minute to invite you all to my PICK YOUR FIX – Support and Accountability group – kicking off February 9th!

For those of you who are familiar with the original 21-day Fix home DVD workout program – Autumn Calabrese literally knocked this out of the ballpark! It sold out in days and we simply couldn’t keep it in stock – leaving it sold out for months! And I know this program is going to be a hit as well and I encourage you to snag it up when it is released – February 2nd – TOMORROW and be ONE OF THE FIRST to get amazing results and start your journey to a HAPPIER, and HEALTHIER YOU!

Between these two programs I truly believe there is a fit for EVERYONE!!!

Start Simple – OR – Go Extreme:

If you’re still in the beginning phases of your journey perhaps the 21-day fix may be your ticket. Don’t get me wrong, these 30 minute workouts are still challenging but the low impact modifier allows anyone at any level to get started, and continue to progress as you get stronger! Simple portion controlled nutrition with these top to bottom workouts will surely help you reach your goals!!! this program is what helped me learn about nutrition and regular exercise and undoubtedly changed my life. You can read a bit more about my personal experience and this program HERE.

If you’re a 21-day fix Grads or just someone up for a good fitness challenge and you’re ready to take things to the next level, then I invite you to join me with the 21-day Fix EXTREME. Autumn takes it up a few notches as she slims down the food choices from the original 21 day fix guide, adds in some new recipes and new options, turns up the intensity in the workouts and includes 2 meal plans – an Extreme 21 day guide as well as her very own bikini competition meal plan. You choose the one you want to follow and get RESULTS!!!!

Regardless of which program you pick – my 21-Day PICK YOUR FIX Support and Accountability group willl help you get started, guide you through creating a nutrition plan that is going to be fit for YOU, maximize YOUR results, and serve as your support and accountability system from Day 1.

We will all start together, end together and get results – TOGETHER!

And lucky for you – both of these programs just happen to be part of the February PROMOTIONS!!!

If you’re not yet familiar with the 3-day refresh – you can check out my latest results. This little 3-day kit will be sure to start you off on the right foot and/or end your 21 days feeling amazing and naturally, REFRESHED!

***UPDATE***

I have continued to do the 3-day refresh over the last few years. Here are some more recent results

Each month I run online accountability groups in my VIRTUAL WELLNESS STUDIO and I am excited to open enrollment for 10 new participants.

I recently finished the UPCOMING new release – SHIFT SHOP – and I cannot wait to get started with my next round of Boot campers for a 6 week TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION.

If you would like a spot please fill out the application below! You know what they say – THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS – and TOGETHER, anything is possible!

7 weeks down – only 1 to go!!!

Its still hard to believe I’m one week shy of being an Insanity Max:30 GRADUATE! This program has been the most challenging fitness program I’ve ever done but I have to say…I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! Its all in the mind – believe you can and you will. Believe you can’t and well, you can’t!

My hubby recently started a hybrid of Body Beast and Insanity Max:30 so we have been able to join forces a few times. Even though he is still in month 1 he decided he would jump into the Friday Fight Round 2…talk about a happy Friday morning wake up call!!! I’m not 100% positive but his comment to me at about the 6 minute mark was something like “he said WHAT…this dude is insane” – but of course he continued to push though…and because he believed he could – he DID!

Not much can beat a sweaty SMOOCH ❤

I was fortunate to have a surprise visit from my mama this weekend and with most visits comes an early morning workout! This time Aubrie joined us as well so we had 3 generations, sweating, laughing, making memories and getting FIT – together!!! I love when I asked her if we could get a group picture and she immediately flexed…she’s so my daughter!!!

I don’t always do the optional Pulse workout but the timing was perfect this week! I always push myself harder when I work out with my hubby and the extra 10 minute ab attack really finished the week on a positive note!

With the final week staring me in the face I decided to make things a bit more simpler! I spent my Sunday planning my week and getting my meal plan together and focusing on reaching my goals! I really want to top all my prior max out times and I know in order to function at my max I have to fuel my body with the right foods.

I’m incorporating my new food obsession daily – man cakes – and sticking to basic, easy, balanced meals. We had a few social events this weekend that put me a little off track but I’m ready to focus and nail it this week!!!

Here’s my game plan!

And to all my 21-day fixers out there – the little color coded references stand true for you too!

If you are interested Insanity Max: 30, the 21-Day Fix or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING! Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone!

New month – New week!!!

Anyone stuck in a food coma after the long holiday weekend? I’ll be honest….getting my workouts in was no problem-I even doubled up a few days but oh the struggle for me has been in the kitchen! I love sweets and have such a hard time just saying “no”- my 80/20 rule has been drifting more towards a 60/40 and I can feel it and see it! Its those darn COOKIES and I know that struggle will continue to tempt me all month long as December is here and the jingle bells start ringing and the Christmas cookies are baking! For me – its time to FOCUS!!!! We have just over 3 weeks before Christmas and Insanity Max 30 is being released TODAY!!! It’s time to focus on my nutrition-who’s with me???

I absolutely love finding ways to take old favorites and spin them into healthy, delicious meals! After failing a few times, I finally had success with my Vegetti gadget from Amazon and let me tell you – zucchini pasta is delicious!!!

This meal took all of 5 minutes start to finish and I topped it with some ground turkey mixed with all natural crushed tomatoes – and got myself a very healthy, fast, filling lunch!!!

WHAT YOU NEED:

(per person/per serving)

1 zucchini

1/4 pound cooked pound of ground turkey

1/2 cup crushed tomatoes

1 tsp olive oil

sea salt and pepper

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Heat oil in pan over medium heat

Spiral the zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes with desired sea salt and pepper

Top with meat sauce

ENJOY!

*For all my 21-day fixers – this meal would be 1-2 green containers (zucchini and tomatoes…assuming you use the tomatoes that have no added salt or sugar!!!) and 1 red and 1 teaspoon!

DECEMBER PROMOTIONS

Insanity Max:30 will be released TODAY and also be the promotion for the month of December, with a challenge pack savings of $25!!

What makes INSANITY MAX:30 unique?

Every day is a brand-new challenge in INSANITY MAX:30. With killer cardio, challenging Tabata-style strength workouts, plus 150 new moves designed to shatter your limits, Shaun pushes you to work harder, go longer, and MAX OUT later. It’s not about making it through all 30 minutes. It’s about pushing yourself more each day to get the body you’ve always wanted in 60 days.

And even though INSANITY MAX:30 is a challenging program, the great thing is you can follow the modifier—whatever your fitness level—to MAX OUT and still get MAX results!

The Workouts:

Month 2: 5 workouts on 5 DVDs (2 cardio,
2 strength, and 1 challenge)
You’ll feel like you’re back at Day One as the intervals get longer, but the rest stays the same.

If you did the 21-day fix and loved how simple the nutrition aspect was to follow withthe portion control containers you’re going to love how it fits into Insanity Max. No complicated diets or strict meal plans here…just a simple portion-based plan shows you how to eat what you love and still reach your fitness goals.

Since Shakeology NEVER goes on sale I am creating my own cyber deal and offering $20 cash back in the form of an Amazon gift card but you have to purchase your Beachbody Challenge pack* by the end of day December 2nd 2014!!!!

*quantities are limited!!!

If you are interested in this or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I’ll be kicking off my Insanity MAX:30 exclusive test group on December 8th and I would love to have you join me! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING! Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone!

Insanity Max:30

Ok – where are all my Shaun T fans??? Whether you’re a fan of Insanity or T25 you are likely feeling the same way I am about Shaun T’s latest and greatest!!! I am so excited to do this new, insane workout!!! I know – crazy, right?!?!

I have to confess…I never even touched the original Insanity. I own it. I watched my hubby (attempt to) do it but I had absolutely NO desire to even dabble. However fast forward 2 kids and a few years later – and I am STOKED! Why? Because I am in better shape, my husband is in better shape, and I know he’s going to be there – right beside me – pushing me to my MAX! We did T25 together about a year ago but then he moved on to P90X3 and Body Beast and I moved on to 21-day fix, PiYo, and P90. Let me just say – I’m excited to have my workout buddy back!

What I like about the most recent Beachbody programs is they all run just about 30 minutes. Let’s be honest – no one wants to workout for an hour!!!! But 30 minutes – 30 minute is just 2% of your day – it can happen!!!

What is INSANITYMAX:30?

INSANITYMAX:30 is the challenging new 60 day, 30-minute, in-home workout program from Shaun T, creator of INSANITY and Focus T25. Shaun T has developed 150 new cardio and strength moves that will make you push harder and dig deeper than ever before to get the best body of your life in just 60 days.INSANITYMAX:30 will be the hardest 30 minutes of the day and you need to be ready to MAX OUT. It’s not about “getting through” all 30 minutes, it’s about going as hard as possible, for as long as possible, until becoming “MAXED OUT” (i.e. until taking the first rest and/or breaking proper form). No equipment needed… just push to the MAX for INSANE results in just 60 days.

So you may be thinking – how is this different than the original???

Well, for starters, this time they include a modifier! Don’t get me wrong – its still going to be intense. But you don’t have to be in tip top shape to get started. You just need the courage to begin, dedication to continue, and support to pick you up when the going gets tough! But if you have any serious injuries or limitations you may want to go with something like T25 to start! It is going to be a heck of a workout and I am so up for the challenge. I am a huge fan of Shaun T and can’t wait for him to kick my butt -again- for 60 days.

WHEN???

It will be released December 2nd and I am looking for 5 other people and/or couples who are ready to push themselves to the MAX and do this program with me – with us – and join my test group! We will support each other, share our struggles and lift each other up when we need it most. I know this is not going to be easy…there will be moves that are going to make me want to cry. I will be tired. I will be sore. But it will be worth it!!!!

If you are interested in joining my first ever INSANITY MAX: 30 test group please fill out the form below to be considered for 1 of the 5 spots and we can do this together!!!

Ok, so maybe its easy to immediately, quickly, answer YES. But if say “yes” – can you say your actions meet your words? Do you treat your body the way it should be treated? Do you fuel your body with healthy foods? Or do you choose convenience and cost over true health benefits? Do you make sure you get some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week? Or do you make excuses as to why you can’t find the time to get up and get moving?

Alright – so that was a lot of questions but I really want you to stop for a minute. If you think about your answers to those questions and you really do act as if you value your own health and fitness – then good for you!!! You are LIVING and LEADING a healthier more fulfilling life and chances are you generally feel pretty darn good about yourself! But if you aren’t really valuing yourself – how about you start now – start TODAY!!!

I never understood my husband’s “all or nothing” attitude. He was either riding the healthy living train or not. I on the other hand had the “well I worked out which means I EARNED a bowl of ice cream” attitude. And truth is – you can’t burn off an unhealthy diet! Take it from me – I did the T25 workouts for almost 6 months but didn’t change a thing in with my nutrition. And yes, you guessed it, my results matched my efforts – I DIDN’T LOSE A POUND! And I was frustrated. I didn’t understand why other people were getting results and I was at a stand still. Turns out it wasn’t the program’s fault – but rather the choices I was making in the kitchen – or better yet – bakery! But…I switched gears and gave the 21-day fix a try and actually committed to following the meal plan AND doing the workouts AND joined a challenge group and low and behold – RESULTS!!! Turns out when you start looking at food as your body’s FUEL rather than a reward the rewards will come on their own. True results and a body that looks as good as it feels!!!

The 21-day fix changed me and my family. Not only from an appearance standpoint but the way I looked at food. I learned about clean eating, portion control and made small changes that made a big impact in our lives. My husband joined me on this journey and we embraced the change-TOGETHER! We started coming up with ways to take old favorites and turn them into healthy clean meals we could all enjoy! Not only did we both lose weight but we both FELT better, had more energy to play with our kids, and we were actually eating more food – but in the right portions – and at the right times! As we continued to embrace this change and clean eating, the more it simply became OUR LIFESTYLE.

Shakeology Pudding – in a SOLO cup!

We are a clean eating family. We focus on healthy portion sizes, we eat 2.5-3 hours apart, there are very little to no processed foods, and we drink a heck of a lot of WATER. When we travel we not only have snacks for the kids but our own snacks – healthy snacks – and we don’t look for excuses. Is it always easy? No! But is it always worth it? ABSOLUTELY!

The one thing that has played a HUGE rule in this lifestyle change has been SHAKEOLOGY.

I’ll start by saying as I began this whole Beachbody workout routine I remember seeing posts from other people who just LOVED this shake and I couldn’t possibly think of how some powdered “meal replacement shake” could really be THAT GOOD and REALLY worth the it. Well you know what they say – don’t knock it until you try it!!! It took a few go arounds but once I decided to give it a try and committed to drinking it for one week straight to “see what the hype was about” my only thought after those 7 days was “Why did I wait so long!” This would have been a godsend in those very first early newborn baby stages!!!!

This stuff was what I needed!!!! I was struggling to balance my newborn who thought sleep was the worst possible way to spend his time and a busy toddler who just wanted to go go GO. Sitting down to eat any meal was simply never going to happen – but I could shake up a shake or blend something creative in the blender and fuel up while tending to the needs of my kids without having to sacrifice my own nutrition! And now mom doesn’t have to be the last one to eat 🙂 I used to be the Queen of “granola bars” but if you are one to grab one and go – check out the label on some of the most popular “breakfast bars” – you can’t even pronounce half the ingredients!!! They’re essentially glorified candy bars! Needless to say, Shakeology quickly became my “duh” meal. Life just doesn’t make sense without it!!! With my busy schedule I need something that I can depend on every single day. Shakeology is a full meal replacement shake (NOT A PROTEIN SHAKE!) and it takes about 60 seconds to make and includes all the dense nutrition of several servings of salad all in about 150 calories per glass! The energy it gives me is insane and so important to help me get through each day!!!

ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR???

Do you feel as though you are living the life I mentioned above? Or can you relate to at least one aspect? Are you stuck in a spot where you WANT to be healthier but you can’t seem to figure out how you can possibly fit one more thing in your day?

Here are a few tips for you to get started, stay on track, and/or reach your own goals:

Start today, NOW! Like RIGHT NOW!!!! Don’t wait until Thanksgiving or after Christmas or once the New Year begins…START NOW! Why? Why not??!! Like I said in my Healthy Holiday Goals post a few days ago – you can start now or you can wait and see if you fall into that average “7-10 pound” weight gain most people experience during this season. Its your choice. But do me a favor – and consider: Can you imagine how you’ll FEEL if you decide to commit today??? Imagine how your clothes will fit…imagine how you’ll carry yourself…imagine how you’ll FEEL. Then let me know if you’re ready!

Start small – make a list of what you need to change and start making little changes each week. I’m not saying you have to jump right and start working out 7/days a week eating only 100% clean foods, etc… But start making small changes. Become aware of the ingredients in the foods you’re putting into your body. Chances are if you can’t read the label or pronounce the word you probably shouldn’t be eating it! Give yourself a self evaluation on your exercise, nutrition and water in take – what needs the most attention? Make a new goal/positive change each week. For example, your first step may be to rid your house of all the “bad/unhealthy” foods, next you may need to start getting 30 minutes of exercise at least 3x a week, then increase your water intake and/or decrease/eliminate soda or any other sugary drink you consume. And yes – this counts diet soda too! As you continue to make these changes, add in something new until you’ve transformed your LIFESTYLE.

If you can’t control the sweets – keep them out of the house. Ok – this is where I struggle the most. My daughter and I LOVE to bake.

My little man LOVES mommy’s shake!

My son naps, we bake. Its just our “thing”. Its fun and we get a yummy treat out of it! But let’s be honest – no one needs dessert everyday! Besides – it certainly doesn’t do anything to benefit our kids! We’ve been able to shift gears and start doing art crafts during naps and when she REALLY wants to bake I try to take a healthy spin on it like my sweet potato brownies. And if we are going to splurge and make some chocolate chip cookies I will do it on a day when we can take them somewhere and share them so one cookie doesn’t turn into a lunch filled with cookies for her or me! Then they’re gone and we can all focus again!!!

If you struggle with finding the time in your day to make healthy meals then replace 1 meal a day with shakeology. Why??? I’ll ask you this way – WHY NOT??? There is nothing else out there even comparable! I know I said it once but I’ll say it again – SHAKEOLOGY is NOT A PROTEIN SHAKE like a lot of people think. Shakeology is a full meal replacement with the right carb to protein ratio to fuel your body and keep you full for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. It has the fast burning carbohydrates with the slower burning protein to keep you satisfied. The one aspect that sets this meal replacement drink apart from anything else out there is that it is loaded with all natural ingredients, not processed ingredients, that are going to meet your daily requirements for vitamins and nutrients. Most people notice an increase in energy levels as it provides the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs! Your cravings for sweets are also decreased which is typically caused by a vitamin deficiency and that you will no longer experience. I do want to make something clear – it is not a weight loss shake – although it is clinically proven to AID in weightloss. It’s a nutritious meal replacement shake that will help you lose weight naturally. I drink it Every. Single. Day. And with all the benefits I can see and feel, I’ll take this $4 meal over any other option out there! I’m not going to pretend like it’s not an investment-because it is. It is an investment in your health-and-you should invest in your health because when you feel better you are more confident, healthier and happier! Plus the convenience aspect of being able to grab – shake – and go – can’t be beat! There’s no drive-through for this busy mama!!! Food is your fuel for your body – FUEL your body RIGHT!

JOIN A CHALLENGE GROUP! There’s Power in numbers my friends!!! There’s other options out there besides Beachbody – but no other company combines it all for you. The Fitness you get from the top of the line workout programs with some of the best trainers, the Nutrition from Shakeology combined with the nutrition guide that will come with your DVD workout program and the SUPPORT of a challenge group. Surround yourself with people with similar goals, similar likes and similar desires and you will see you pushing each other further and further along! Join my next challenge group and I promise you – I will help YOU reach YOUR goals! Fill out the application below for a spot!!